What Should You Do if You Can’t Afford to Pay Back-Taxes?

Paying taxes is no fun. Owing back taxes and not being able to pay them is much worse. Many people get into tax trouble when they end up owing money to the IRS and they don’t have the means to pay it off. This can cause a lot of stress, anxiety and even fear or panic. However, you shouldn’t panic. The IRS won’t show up at your door with the police ready to take you away in handcuffs.

If you do end up owing back taxes and you can’t pay them off all at once, you have some options. That’s because the IRS is willing to work with you, so long as you are willing to work with them. The first thing you should do, is file your return on time, even if you know you don’t have the money to pay off your tax debt. This will help you avoid additional late-filing penalties. 

Pay as much as you possibly can when you file your return. If you just need a little more time then you can file for a short-term extension in order to pay off the remaining debt within 120 days. If it is going to take longer, then apply for a monthly payment plan with the IRS. It’s best to set up an automatic monthly payment plan. There will likely still be interest and some penalties but they will be much lighter.

The IRS wants you to be able to pay your taxes and they are willing to work with you if you keep up your end of the agreement. You can learn more about paying off back taxes by clicking here.

Posted in

Common Investment Mistakes

Courtesy of Paul Ray Andrus, LUTCF, ChFC There is a lesson to be learned from the recent $2 billion-plus loss by a sophisticated trading unit of JPMorgan Chase. Even “expert” traders make mistakes. You shouldn’t expect every investment decision you make to be perfect. And when you are wrong, it’s best to recognize it and…

These Investing Mistakes Prevent You From Building Your Wealth

These Investing Mistakes Prevent You From Building Your Wealth

These Investing Mistakes Prevent You From Building Your Wealth Why do you invest? Are you looking for a get-rich-quick investment scheme? Or, are you looking to build real, sustainable wealth that will last over the long haul? Most investors want to build wealth over many years. Sure, no one is going to turn down a…

tax tips

Important Year-End Tax Tips That the Wealthy Should Know Now

Important Year-End Tax Tips That the Wealthy Should Know Now High-net-worth individuals have a lot to think about in their often fast-paced financial dealings, not the least of which is how to save on their taxes and keep as much of their wealth from the taxman as possible. Many high-net-worth individuals make a lot of…

As Property Values Soar In California, So Do the Tax Bills

Do You Have a Handle on Your Retirement Taxes?

Do You Have a Handle on Your Retirement Taxes? As you look in the rearview mirror of your career does it seem that the objects are actually getting further away? That means you are probably getting closer to retirement. Retirement can be a great thing for a lot of people, but it can also cause…